Top 10 3D Printed Articulated Dragons with STL Files Download Link

Today, we're focusing on creating some mind-blowing articulated dragons. Let's unleash our creativity and explore the magic of 3D printing together! 🐉

Articulated Dragon from MCGYBEER

This articulated dragon designed by Macgyver is absolutely amazing! When it was released, it caused quite a frenzy among people. I've heard rumors that one person's Etsy shop received a staggering 4,000 orders for this dragon before they had to stop accepting more. 

3D model stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Filament recommended: Kingroon PLA filaments

Crystal Dragon, Articulating Flexi Wiggle Pet

The Crystal Dragon from Cinderwang 3D has crystals along its back. The jointed legs add an interesting touch too. The tail also gets higher as it goes, which creates a beautiful transition of colors if you use a tri-color filament with different shades like yellow, red, and green. 

3D model stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Flexi Print-in-Place Imperia Dragon

The dragon head can sit up thanks to interlocking spikes on its back! When you print it, make sure to handle the spikes gently. Try sliding the pieces together instead of pressing them hard. 

3D model stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Articulated Rose Dragon

The "Rose Dragon" 🌹🐉  is a special creation specifically made for Valentine's Day. It is carefully designed to embody the spirit of love and romance.  

3D model stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Filament recommended: Slik rainbow PLA filaments

Articulated Biting Dragon

This adorable dragon may not breathe fire, but it certainly has a knack for playful nibbling, especially on fingers! The body and wings are seamlessly connected, designed to be printed all at once without any separate parts or assemblies. When it comes to opening the wings for the first time, gently release them. Avoid forcing the wings, as it may cause the small stops to pop out. 

3D model design from ERGIO959. Stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Articulated Skeleton Dragon

Ensure your retract and flatbed settings are accurately adjusted for printing. We advise against reducing the scale when printing this skeleton dragon, as it may result in extremely thin and delicate ribs. No need for supports.

3D model design from Rogi Studios. Stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Articulated Baby Dragons

This baby flying dragon designs are created by Cinder Being. This little dragon can fly, as its entire body is articulated, allowing it to bend. The wings have ball joints, providing a full range of motion, and there's a second joint to expand the wings. The tail also has multiple joints for added movements.

3D model stl file available on download on Cults3D.

Dragon Dice Guardain

A cute little dragon to keep your dice safe! Comes with a little nest for him to sit in as well.

3D model stl file designed by @Kekreations, available to download on @Myminifactory.

Scale Dragon Egg

This is an amazing Dragon Egg Model with a twist-lock lid to safely hold your dragons or treasure! Line up the inner CW logo for perfect alignment!

3D model stl file designed by @Cinderwing3D, available to download on @Myminifactory.

Filament recommended: Slik rainbow PLA filaments

Dragon Egg - Fire

Dragon hatchlings and their matching eggs. You can choose between fire, leaf or stone dragons. 

3D model stl file designed by @STLFLIX. 

Printing Time: 22 Hours 34 Minutes

3D PRINT FILE SETTINGS

• Recommended Layer Height: 0.16 mm (for the dragon), 0.20 mm (for the egg)
• Recommended Perimeters: 3.
• Recommended Infill (%): 5%
• Needs Support: No.

Slicing an Articulated Dragon in Cura

Open file tab and select the Dragon model. It will open with the flat side down. The blue parts indicate where the model is contacting the build plate, while the red parts indicate overhangs that may require supports. However, I have successfully printed this model without supports before, and it turned out fine.

Articulated Dragons Print Settings on FDM Printers

Next, let's go over the settings I typically use for most of my prints in Cura.

• Layer height: 0.2 mm,
• Initial layer height: 0.2 mm,
• Wall thickness: 0.8 mm (resulting in a wall count of 2),
• Top and bottom thickness: 0.8 mm (resulting in four layers for each),
• Infill density: 10% using a cubic infill pattern,
• Print temperature: 205℃ (may vary based on PLA brand),
• Heatbed temperature: 60℃,
• 100% flow,
• Print speed: 50 mm/s,
• Travel speed: 150 mm/s,
• Initial layer speed: 20 mm/s,
• Enable retraction with a distance of 5.0 mm,
• Retraction speed: 45 mm/s,
• Enable print cooling,
• 100% fan speed, and 0% for initial fan speed
• No supports or build plate adhesion are needed.

After configuring these settings, you could proceed to slice the model. The whole print process will take approximately 15 hours and 32 minutes, using 64g or 21.57m of filament. You can preview the sliced model to see each layer and ensure it looks as expected. Once the slicing is complete, remember to save the sliced file to a disk or removable drive, such as an SD card, to transfer it to your 3D printer.

Articulate 3D Print Dragon on Resin Printer

3D printing articulating movable objects in resin is much harder then on FDM 3D printers. Typically, these items are printed using FDM 3D printers, as they are primarily designed for that purpose. It normally require resin printer in 4K and 8K for the high request on the resolution. 

Articulated dragons can be printed flat on the build plate without requiring supports and are meant to print in place. Upon removal from the build plate, you can witness their articulated movements, which is quite fascinating. However, achieving successful prints can be challenging if your printer settings aren't finely tuned for these intricate designs.

When working with articulating prints, there are several factors need to pay close attention to or further test out. These typically include the bottom exposure, exposure settings, and the temperature of the room where printing occurs.

1. Bottom Exposure - how well a print will stick to the build plate.
2. Exposure - impacts print quality / tolerances
3. Room Temperature - can negatively effect your prints if its too cold or even if its too hot.

Regarding exposure and bottom exposure settings, finding the right balance is crucial. Excessive exposure can lead to parts fusing together, ending with a not-articulating model. Another factor often overlooked is the room temperature, especially as temperatures drop. 

Additionally, the design of the 3D model and how it was scaled also impact articulation. Smaller files may be more challenging to work with, while larger ones might require additional supports in certain areas to prevent failure during printing.

Articulating dragon prints serve as excellent torture tests for your resin 3D printers. They can help you determine if your settings are properly dialed in, offering more than just an exposure settings test. These prints challenge various aspects of your printer's performance, such as bottom exposure, exposure settings, and even room temperature. Successfully printing articulating models requires finding the right balance in these factors to ensure proper adhesion without overexposure. Therefore, achieving successful results with such prints can be indicative of a well-tuned printer and optimized settings.